Story & Lesson Highlights with Aliyah Daley of High Point

Aliyah Daley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Aliyah, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that’s been bringing me a lot of joy lately is line dancing. I’ve always loved exploring different dance styles, but right now, line dancing has my heart! I’ve been taking classes at Just Dance Studio with Sandy, the owner and instructor, and dancing with her group, JDS line dancers. It’s been such a fun and uplifting experience learning more about line dance culture, connecting with others, and getting my steps in while doing something I truly enjoy. It’s become my favorite way to unwind and recharge outside of work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Aliyah, a homeschooling mom, educator (M.Ed.), certified school garden educator, farmer, and the founder of Daley Balance. In 2022, I made the decision to resign from teaching to reimagine learning for my own family and to support other families who wanted to do the same. After some trial and error, I devoted my full energy to building Daley Balance—a community rooted nonprofit organization that supports homeschooling families, schools and communities through holistic and garden-based education.

At Daley Balance, we host events and programs that uplift parents and create holistic learning environments where children can thrive. We use gardening as a tool for learning, healing, and connection, helping families integrate academic learning with physical, mental, and creative wellness. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional education and the holistic development of children and communities by nurturing the whole child. Currently, we’re working toward opening an outdoor therapeutic classroom and garden-based micro-school—a safe, healing space where families, schools, and communities can learn, grow, and recharge together.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve had some really great examples in my life of people who’ve taught me about work, but I want to give a special shout-out to my granddaddy, also known as Buck. I don’t think my granddad has ever had a traditional nine-to-five job, and if he did, I don’t remember it. I’ve never heard him say he had to clock in anywhere. Ever since I’ve known him, he has always made a way for himself using his hands. He’s been a carpenter all my life and still works as one today. He’s built churches, houses, and has always been resourceful.

Like I said, I’ve never seen him go to a “job job,” but he was always working and always had money to give when we asked, lol. He taught me that work is what you make it and that you can build a living working for yourself and on your own terms. That lesson has stayed with me, especially now as an educational entrepreneur and farmer. I’m leaning more into my granddad’s model every day which is doing meaningful work, developing skills that sustain my life, and creating a path on my own terms. It’s not easy, but it’s been worth the ride and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “You are truly amazing.” My younger self needed to hear more positive affirmations and be reminded of her worth. Knowing that you are amazing helps you recognize your own greatness and builds confidence from within. I would tell her to be kinder to herself, to give herself grace, and to understand that making mistakes is part of growing. Confidence doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from loving yourself through the process.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Right now, I am deeply committed to building Daley Balance and creating a space and land dedicated to supporting homeschooling families, communities, and schools through holistic learning, garden education, and wellness. My goal is to build a sustainable organization that becomes a staple in the community, one that uplifts others while allowing me to do what I truly love. No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to bringing this vision to life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in the garden or on the farm, connecting with the land and nature. Fresh air, sunlight, and nature’s music is my medicine and brings me a deep sense of calm. Even if it’s just for a moment, being fully present and connected is such a beautiful feeling. You can learn so many life lessons from simply observing nature and growing your own food, It’s truly a grounding and powerful experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daleybalance.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daleybalance/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyah-daley-07812331a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaleyBalance
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedaleychannel1
• Other: You can contact [email protected]